Trump pitches Board of Peace in Davos, says it will work with UN

US President Donald Trump opened a signing ceremony for his proposed Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, describing the initiative as a historic effort that would work alongside the United Nations while potentially challenging its role.

“It’s a very exciting day,” Trump said, adding that “everybody” wanted to be part of the new body, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Trump said the Board of Peace would cooperate with the UN but argued it would succeed where the world body had fallen short.

“I think the board of peace will be the most prestigious board ever, and it's going to get a lot of work done that the United Nations should have done,” Trump said.

“And we'll work with the United Nations. But the Board of Peace is going to be special. We're going to have peace.”

Asked earlier this week whether the board could replace the UN, Trump replied: “It might.”

U.S. officials say more than 20 countries have so far accepted invitations to join the board, with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff estimating that “north of 20, maybe 25 world leaders” had agreed to participate. Invitations were sent to more than 50 leaders, according to the White House.

Despite that support, none of Washington’s major European allies has committed. France, Norway and Sweden have declined or expressed strong reservations, while Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy have not taken a position.

By Aghakazim Guliyev